In a community long-silenced by mainstream media, the Emerald acts as a powerful megaphone: amplifying the voice and experience of South Seattle. Founded as a platform that authentically depicts the dynamic voices, culture, arts, ideas, and businesses that fall within South Seattle’s borders, the Emerald is news as it was originally intended to be: not as business, nor as a forum for propaganda, but as a service to the community it chronicles. In the words of Board Vice President, Bridgette Hempstead: “For the community, by the community, to the community.”